When he was asked about his injured players in last Friday’s press conference, Thomas Tuchel was willing to reveal a little more information about Reece James’ recovery from a hamstring injury.
The Chelsea manager confirmed that James was close to a return to team training, but wouldn’t be going to Abu Dhabi with the rest of the team because he was still some way off being ready to play.
But when we saw the squad jetting out after the game on Saturday, James was there with his colleagues.
There was clearly a change of plans on that front – either James is indeed ready to play with his teammates after all, or he will just be doing some individual work out there.
Regardless, we know he won’t be playing. Chelsea have just submitted their squad list for the tournament, and James’ name isn’t among the 23.
That’s a shame, but we’re buoyed by the fact that he’s almost back in action.